Two Alleged Unlicensed Contractors Arrested in Targeted Bay Area Sting Operation

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) spearheaded a successful sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors in the Bay Area, teaming up with the District Attorney’s Offices of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) with law enforcement partners conducted the one-day sting in September after identifying potential suspects, who were then invited to offer bids for various home construction projects at a predetermined site. Two individuals were served notices to appear in criminal court for illegal contractor activities. These two people both had outstanding warrants for contracting without a license and were arrested at the sting location.

Unlicensed contractors apprehended in this operation may also face additional charges for advertising their construction services without the necessary license. It is illegal under California law for anyone to advertise construction or home improvement work without a valid license in the advertised classification. If unlicensed individuals advertise contracting services, they must explicitly disclose their lack of licensure and cannot bid on a contract for work valued at more than $500, including labor and materials.

Registrar David Fogt reassured CSLB’s commitment to consumer protection, “Our primary objective is to protect consumers from the risks associated with unlicensed contractors. As part of this effort, we stress public education about the importance of hiring licensed contractors and verifying their license before entering a construction contract.”

He further highlighted the state law that calls for home improvement down payment and progress payment restrictions. Down payments are limited to 10% of the total project cost or a cap of $1,000, whichever is less. Progress payments cannot exceed value of work performed. Noncompliance is considered a misdemeanor punishable potentially by a year in county jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.

For further information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, please visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). For ongoing information and updates from CSLB, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.